Apple's plan to build data centre in Ireland stalls

Dublin

"AN Apple a day keeps the bank man away - stop objecting!" So read the handwritten sign in Athenry, the tiny village close to Ireland's Atlantic coast chosen by Apple Inc for a vast US$1 billion data facility. The message was for three people contesting the potential environmental impact and economic benefits, from locals worried the company might scrap the project because of more than a year of delays. Meanwhile, the forestry site remains untouched before a judge hears another round of arguments in March.

What would be one of the most high-profile European investments for Apple is an even bigger deal for Ireland Inc in what's turned out to be a torrid year.